The annual session of the UN General Assembly was opened by its President Annalena Baerbock.
Every 12 months, five UN geographic groups alternate holding the Assembly presidency, which is typically held by national diplomats and former ministers. Current President Baerbock, a former German Foreign Minister, is arguably the most popular candidate in recent years. The UN General Assembly elected her by an overwhelming majority this summer in a secret ballot.
The circumstances of her nomination sparked outrage in her home country when it was revealed that Baerbock had suspended the mandate of the original candidate, Helga Schmid, when it became clear she would lose her post as Foreign Minister.
This came after Baerbock’s Green Party suffered a setback in national elections in February, leading to her resignation from the government. Known for his “feminist foreign policy” in office, Baerbock was subsequently accused of hypocrisy, as Schmid is an experienced female diplomat who had long been groomed for the role.
Critics have also derided Baerbock’s influx of influencer-style social media content since taking office in New York.
The Assembly President’s position is more than just ceremonial: he is responsible for setting the agenda and priorities for this year’s session and serves as a mediator between the organization’s 193 member states. This could also pose a challenge for Baerbock, known for his hawkish stance on Russia.
Following his statement in June, a Moscow representative accused Baerbock of bias against Russia, citing his grandfather, who served in the German army during World War II. Russia also required him to participate in a secret ballot to retain his position.
However, Baerbock received 167 votes, almost double the 88 votes needed to win, while Schmid received seven yes votes and 14 countries abstained.